By Mafara L. Spurlock

Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development

Kenyon Street Apartments go Co-op
New Columbia Community Land Trust assists residents in their quest to fight displacement  

When their landlord decided to sell the 12-unit apartment building in Columbia Heights, according to Thelma Perkins, “the property wasn’t the only thing she planned to get rid of.” Perkins strongly believes the property owner also wanted the tenants of 1327 Kenyon St., NW out of the way so she could sell the building free and clear.

Little by little, the landlord made changes to the building. Not only did she remove the heating system and laundry facilities, she also permitted a demolition project on a portion of the building.

“But we weren’t going anywhere,” declared 75-year-old Perkins. “I’ve lived in that building for more than 30 years, and her tricks and schemes weren’t about to run me out of my home.”

During the time leading up to the sale of the building, Perkins recalled the winter months as being torturous and sometimes unbearable. 

Utilizing their First Right to Purchase, the tenants took control of the building, but experienced hardships thereafter. Renovations to the building, including the replacement of the heating system, cost more than they were able to afford. This ultimately forced the residents out of their apartments until the renovations could be completed. Unfortunately, the vacant apartments invited unwanted loitering, break-ins and vandalism, further increasing the building’s deterioration.

Meanwhile, the tenants struggled to obtain funds to renovate and insure the building. But once they hooked up with New Columbia Community Land Trust (NCCLT), a member of the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development (CNHED), their luck began to change.

With NCCLT’s leadership, the Kenyon Street group raised $1.4 million to complete renovations, and formed the 1327 Kenyon Street Cooperative Association.

Now, the land at which the property is located is owned by NCCLT and will be leased to the Kenyon Street Cooperative, who will own only the building itself. And the units will remain affordable to the residents because they don’t have to pay for land costs.

“It feels so good to own the very placed that I’ve lived for so long,” said Perkins. “It’s like a dream come true for me.”

NCCLT Executive Director Pamela Jones said, “Like most Northwest neighborhoods, Columbia Heights is simply not affordable to longtime residents like the Kenyon Street group. And that’s what NCCLT is all about, preserving and creating attractive, affordable housing in gentrifying neighborhoods. The residents of 1327 are good citizens and great neighbors, why should they be forced out of their homes?”

The building at 1327 Kenyon St., NW is 95 percent complete and will reopen in September. According to Perkins, she and the other residents will enjoy the fall and winter months warm and comfortable in their new homes, which will now have two laundry facilities, one on each floor.

NCCLT’s work with the 1327 Kenyon Street Cooperative is simply another example of Coalition members working together with the community to build strong neighborhoods together.

Mafara L. Spurlock is the communications officer for the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development

         CNHED

5 Thomas Circle, NW STE: 209
Washington, DC 20005

(P) 202.745-0902

(F) 202.745.0898

             www.cnhed.org

Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development

Our Mission:  To strengthen and support the ability of nonprofit housing and economic development organizations to improve the quality of life in the District of Columbia's neighborhoods and enhance public understanding of, confidence in, and support for the nonprofit community development sector.

Our Members:  More than 90 organizations and 30 individuals working with the community to provide affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization for District residents.

Our Promise: To work with members and the community to build strong neighborhoods together.